16 February 2011

I really love this granola recipe from no other than my beloved Mrs. Nigella Lawson. It has a nice simple base which makes it perfect for adding dried fruit and nuts to it as you please. We like to have a little batch on hand all of the time as it is a wonderful mid morning or late afternoon snack right out of the jar. It is also delicious with milk or thick yogurt and fresh fruit. It seems to have become my go to recipe when my little one (or I!) have the sudden urge to strap on our aprons and bake something nice but may not have much time or all of the ingredients we may need. There is just enough measuring and mixing to satisfy the soul. And oh, the sweet smell of the oats cooking slowly in the oven is divine.

4.5 cups rolled oats

1 cup sunflower seeds

3/4 cup sesame seeds

3/4 apple sauce

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/3 cup brown rice syrup, rice malt syrup or maple syrup

1/2 cup honey

3/4 cup light brown sugar (you can use less!)

2 cups whole natural almonds

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

2 cups raisins

Mix everything in a bowl except the raisins. Spread the mixture out on two baking sheets and bake in a 300-325 degree oven turning the mixture over once about half way between baking. Try to get the oats to brown evenly through out. When the granola is out of the oven and has cooled completely you can mix in the raisins or other dried fruit and store in an air tight container. Delicious!

What are some of your favorite things to bake with a little one? Can you leave a comment with a link to your post if you have shared before? I would love to know!